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Welcome to Wollongong Jazz, an e-bulletin to keep you informed about jazz in Wollongong. It includes this website, a Facebook page, and an email list. The email list is used by Wollongong Conservatorium of Music to help promote the Con Jazz Series. Wollongong Conservatorium is not accountable for the content of this site or the Facebook pages.

This February, the 2018 Freedman Fellowship winner Nick Garbett will present his award winning set of original composition in his home town of Wollongong. Originally from Otford and a former student of the Wollongong Conservatorium, Garbett has gone on to establish himself as one of Australia’s premiere trumpet players. As well as his solo achievements, he co-leads the multi award-winning jazz/roots/reggae outfit,The Vampiresand is a feature member ofThe StridesandWatussi. This intimate concert will also feature ARIA award-winning bassist Jonathan Zwartz and stellar band of young stars. Definitely not to be missed!

Sorcha Albuquerque is a young guitarist on the rise. Having completed her Bachelor of Jazz at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Albuquerque has gone on to establish herself as one of the nations more versatile young talents. Originally inspired by guitar legends Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pass and Stevie Ray Vaughn, her bluesy and soulful playing have seen her share the stage with some of the country's leading musicians such as Dale Barlow and John Harkins as well as International stars Ingrid Jensen and Peter Bernstein. In 2017 her original composition "Fusion, No Confusion" was featured on ABC's "Best of Australian Jazz" collection. Joining her for this intimate performance will be Australian jazz stalwarts Darren Heinrich and Nic Cecire.

“A distinctive gumbo that was more eminently accessible, grooved harder and created a bigger sound than seemed possible.” - All About Jazz

"If jazz music is about continuously reinventing and staying on your toes, then The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke' is a phenomenal jazz record. ****" - Downbeat

Renowned Sydney-based world-roots-jazz quartet, The Vampires are returning to Wollongong in March. Combining risk-taking improvisation, sophisticated compositions and an uncanny sense of dialogue between the sax-trumpet frontline, the band has developed a style of its own that effortlessly combines influences from all corners of the world. Recently, the band collaborated with one of the jazz world’s most talked about guitarists Lionel Loueke for their latest release 'The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke’, which was nominated for an ARIA Award.

“It’s like Belle Epoque Paris decided - against the laws of space and time - to hold a luau in Redfern.” - Max Lavergne, Triple J

In their 10th year The Cope Street Parade are considered one of Australia’s most established high energy music ensembles. They blend spicy rhythms with unique song writing that span the genres of folk, pop, gypsy and swing. With tender ballads and rollicking dance numbers they capture the spirit and warmth of early music styles and successfully blur the lines between the contemporary and the classic. Influences include Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Father John Misty and Leadbelly. This is Australian swing music. The hot sounds of gypsy swing mixed with element of New Orleans traditional jazz meld together is a hotpot of cold beers and sunshine to create a style of music that sounds both new and old yet always uniquely Australian. Think if Django Reinhardt met Louis Armstrong in a good old country pub. Formed in 2009, The Parade has performed at major music festivals and venues across Australia, such as the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, Sydney Festival, Bellingen Winter Festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Jazzgroove Summer Festival. In 2018 they toured Europe for the first time performing 25 concerts in Italy and Sicily. The band has also been lucky enough to collaborated with Lulo Reinhardt, Dan Barnett, Geoff Bull, Bob Henderson and Bob Barnard. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2010 and since then they have released six studio albums to rave reviews and captivated audiences across the country. For this special concert, Cope St will be joined by legendary trumpeter, Geoff Bull.

Judy
Bailey is on of the most important and influential musicians in the history of
Australian jazz. Her long and distinguished career started in the 60’s performing at the legendary El Rocco Jazz Cellar with jazz legends such as Don
Burrows. In the 70's, she was well known for her association with television orchestras and
ABC Radio Programs. An ARIA award winner and an Order of Australia Medal recipient, Bailey is regarded as the living matriarch of Australian jazz and in 2008, was named one of "Sydney's Top 100 Most Influential People." Alongside fellow Australian jazz luminaries Craig Scott and Tim Firth, this powerhouse trio is not to be missed!

Pianist Freyja Garbett is a compositional storyteller. Her pieces are through-composed journeys; they weave the listener through a series of magical sound-scapes, heavy grooves and unforgettable melodies. Her sound combines an eclectic array of musical genres including but not limited to traditional and contemporary jazz, soul, classical, afro-caribbean styles, funk and reggae. The sister of renowned trumpeter Nick, Garbett has spent the last few years exploring her compositional style whilst completing her undergraduate in Performance and Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Since returning to Australia, Garbett has been busy performing in various groups throughout Sydney and the Illawarra, whilst consistently exploring her own musical voice and expanding her vocabulary. In 2017 she was commissioned by SIMA and APRA AMCOS to compose an extended work to perform with the Sydney Women’s Jazz Collective for the 2017 Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. Her band features other emerging jazz stars including 2018 National Jazz Award runner-up Alex Inman-Hislop on drums.

Caribe is an ambitious and exciting exploration of Cuban-inspired dance and music. It combines the talents of Sydney-based Cuban dancer Adrian Medina with a star-studded lineup of eight musicians from Sydney's Latin and jazz communities performing saxophonist Gai Bryant's dazzling compositions of rumba, son, guajira, cha cha and Cuban jazz. A successful 2018 saw the group play to full houses with Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and work with Uruguayan platinum recording artist Gonzalo Porta. A truly unique show not to be missed!

“But if you took the names of Brad Mehldau, Larry Goldings or Joey Calderazzo, [Wayland] is a player of the same high caliber” - Mark F. Turner, AllAboutJazz

“Sean Wayland has long been something of a legend among Sydney jazz circles” - Jazzgroove

New York based Australian pianist Sean Wayland is regarded by many as one of the finest jazz musicians this country has produced. Since moving to New York in 1999 Wayland has gone on to release over 30 critically acclaimed albums as well as racking up numerous individual awards for his outstanding playing. During his illustrious career, Wayland has played and recorded alongside iconic names such as Roger Frampton, Donny McCaslin, Wayne Krantz , David Binney, Ingrid Jensen, Dale Barlow, and countless more. For this intimate performance at the Wollongong Con Auditorium - His first for many years - Wayland will be joined by National Jazz Award Winner, Alex Hirlian on drums.

The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music will be farewelling a bumper
crop of outstanding young jazz musicians at a special performance featuring the
Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Eric Dunan on Saturday 15 December in the
Music Lounge at Wollongong Town Hall.
Six of the band members finished their HSC this year and will be leaving
the band. This will be the last chance to hear them perform as members of this
elite ensemble. Their performance at the Music Lounge will also feature special
encore performances from students HSC performances by pianist Marley Rooney,
trumpeter Luke Horsley, and bassist Zac Lopresti.Other senior musicians performing with the
Jazz Orchestra are Toby Dunan, India Goss Maher, and Tahlia Macey Rowell

Tickets $15G/$10C/$5S at the door or online

November 24th - Speak Satellite x Enough Said Poetry Slam @WWF 2018

7pm - Wollongong Art Gallery

Speak Satellite is a new initiative of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music to showcase young, progressive and forward thinking artists creating new and diverse music. For the 2018 Wollongong Writers Festival Speak Satellite is teaming up with Enough Said Poetry Slam to present a cross media extravaganza of cutting edge music and poetry featuring long-form improvised music groups, Czarektrio and Improper Citation as well as several of the regions best young spoken word artists. For more information about this and other events at the WWF, click here.

Lachy Hamilton is fast becoming a well-known performer of the Australian music scene. Originally from Sydney, Lachy has shared the stage with musicians including Patti Austin, Jeff Clayton, Mat Jodrell, Troy Roberts, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and recorded on the aria-nominated album “James Morrison and his Academy Orchestra”. This show forms part of an East-Coast tour with his quartet featuring fellow rising stars Harry Sutherland, Harry Morrison and Patrick Danao playing original compositions and arrangements of favourite standards.

After to Paris in 2005, Australian guitarist Alex Stuart is returning home with his exciting new project "The Alex Stuart Group" featuring some of Frances finest musicians. As part of a National tour to promote their new release, "Aftermath," the group will play an intimate show at the Wollongong Conservatorium. The music features Stuart's original compositions inspired by his studies of West African Music and the Hindustani classical tradition of India. Members of his star studded quintet have played and recorded alongside some of the worlds best including De La Soul, Tony Allen, Pharaoh Sanders and Chucho Valdez. A truly unique concert not to missed!

"The most potent tenor to be heard in Australia these days… stupendous power, his sound so massive it seemed to threaten the structural integrity of the saxophone’s bell” -Sydney Morning Herald

“He can create an air of majesty with a bold upward sweep on his tenor, or sustain a single, barely-perceptible note with the focus of a Zen monk.” - The Age

Bursting on to the national stage at 22 after winning the National Jazz Award in 1994, Julien Wilson is now widely regarded as one of Australia’s best saxophonists. He is the recipient of a Bell Award for Australian Jazz Artist of the Year, an APRA Art Music Award for Excellence in Jazz as well as the Freedman Fellowship for Jazz and plays on countless award winning albums by Barney McAll, Stu Hunter, Jonathan Zwartz, Augie March, Andrea Keller, Kristin Berardi, Ben Salter & Sam Anning. Wilson’s own two albums released in 2013 & 2015 also received much critical acclaim including three Bell Awards. For this performance, Wilson will be presenting an electrified version of his quartet, formed in 2011, as a vehicle to showcase the more explosive, primal side of Wilson's musical personality. The inspiration stretches back to Ellington & Coltrane and forward to the latest contemporary non-genre-specific influences.

This performance will see Melbourne based drummer/composer Aaron McCoullough launch his new release ‘Provenience’ - a reflection, and rediscovery of specific localities unique to the Illawarra region in New South Wales. Born in Wollongong, Aaron relocated to Melbourne in 2004 to undertake studies at the Victorian College of Arts. Since completing his undergraduate studies, Aaron has been a mainstay of the Melbourne music scene as an accompanist, collaborator, and band leader fronting his own original projects with the result being two self released titles: 'Portrait of Thoughts' (2013), and 'Provenience' (2018). His work has been well documented with appearances nationally and internationally. These musical encounters have led to numerous tours of industry recognised recording projects. Alongside his performance practice of composer/drummer, Aaron is a current PhD candidate. Aaron proudly endorses Sakae Drums.

Dynamic long-running Australian group Speedball has thrilled audiences since 2000. Their signature brand of no holds barred, high intensity performances has earned them a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting ensembles. Members of the band have performed with heavyweights such as Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Lovano, Chick Corea, Terence Blanchard, Miguel Zenon, Jose James, Gregory Porter, and Kenny Werner. The combined accolades of the group's members are extensive, including a Clifford Brown/Stan Getz fellow, an APRA Professional Development Award, Bell Awards, ARIA nominations, National Jazz Awards, James Morrison Scholarship recipients, and MCA Freedman Fellowship finalists. After an extended hiatus, 2017 found Speedball back together and finally releasing their debut album, 'We Have Moved’ to critical acclaim. The album was a nominee for 'Best Jazz Album' in The Age Music Victoria Awards in 2017. This year, the album was nominated for 3 prestigious Bell Awards, taking out 'Best Australian Jazz Song' for Mat Jodrell's 'Judgement Day.'

Saxophonist and educator Graeme Norris storied career has seen him perform alongside music icons as varied as Fankie Valli and Kenny Rodgers to James Morrison and Human Nature. A runner-up in the National Jazz Awards in 1994 Norris' skill and musicianship has taken him to New York where he is currently on faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. This concert will see Norris perform alongside Australian jazz legends Andrew Dickeson and Carl Dewhurst.

"It’s inspiring to hear such creative and intelligent music being made by the younger generation – it gives me hope for the future!” - Mike Nock

Bungalow’s sound is sometimes introspective, sometimes bold and energized but always is highly emotionally engaging. The melodies are often simple, like folk music from the future. With their feet planted in the cool school of jazz, the Japanese based group maintains an emotional vulnerability; their beating hearts delivered up on spikes for the audience to devour. These four musicians strive to balance this openness and simple clarity, with their virtuosity and group interplay, to create musical landscapes that may indeed express the intangible. Featuring the 2017 National Jazz Award winning saxophonist, Mike Rivett, this unique ensemble is not to be missed.

It seems the whole jazz world is talking about Evan Harris. The precociously talented saxophonist has taken the fiercely competitive New York Jazz scene by storm since moving over to study at the famed Julliard School 2 years ago and in his fledgeling career has already played alongside icons such as Wynton Marsalis and Miguel Zenon. This concert is part of a national tour to promote his Bell Award nominated debut album Skylines which has garnered rave reviews from critics and fellow musicians alike and will feature star British alto saxophonist (and fellow NYC resident) Will Vinson. Not to be missed!

Wollongong's own Jayden Clark will return home from his studies at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory for a special concert presenting his original compositions. The former Wollongong Conservatorium of Music student has forged a growing reputation as musician to watch on the international jazz scene and for this home-coming concert has enlisted the help of some fellow young jazz firebrands in Aaron Blakey (Dale Barlow), Thomas Botting (Mike Nock, Barney McAll) and Tim Geldans (Errol Buddle).

Inspired by the sound and spirit of the late 50s & early 60s 'Hard Bop' movement, Internationally acclaimed saxophonist / composer Jason Bruer and his dynamic sextet 'Hammerhead' return to the Wollongong Conservatoire of Music.Featuring a new line up of Sydney's finest musicians they offer an original & contemporary re-telling of the great music from that era with a 'take no prisoners' approach. An exciting & diverse repertoire made up of Bruer's compositions, showcase an eclectic array of influences ranging from hard bop, urban jazz, funk, chamber jazz and Latin styles.

A Multi award-wining vocalist and composer Trish Delaney-Brown has forged an international reputation as a "musicians singer." Formally trained in both classical and jazz styles, Delaney-Brown first rose to prominence as a founding member and soprano of the renowned a capella group Idea of North, performing with the group around the world for 15 years. For this concert Delany-Brown will perform selections of her own songs and choice standards with a band of Australian jazz luminaries.

The Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra will present a special concert at the Spiegeltent on Saturday April 15th from 2-3pm featuring Nick Garbett on Trumpet and new works by Australian composer Jeremy Rose. For Tickets and more information, follow the link below:

“A distinctive gumbo that was more eminently accessible, grooved harder and created a bigger sound than seemed possible.” - All About Jazz

"If jazz music is about continuously reinventing and staying on your toes, then The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke' is a phenomenal jazz record. ****" - Downbeat

Sydney based world-roots-jazz quartet The Vampires are touring Australia in March. They will be joined by bassist Alex Boneham for his first Australian performances since 2014 when he moved to Los Angeles to study at the Monk Institute with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Combining risk-taking improvisation, sophisticated compositions and an uncanny sense of dialogue between the sax-trumpet frontline, the band has developed a style of its own that effortlessly combines influences from all corners of the world. Recently, the band collaborated with one of the jazz world’s most talked about guitarists Lionel Loueke for their latest release 'The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke’, which was nominated for an ARIA Award. The group also became the first instrumental band to be nominated for the prestigious Australian Music Prize in 13 years earlier this year.

New Zealand born piano maestro, Steve Barry returns to the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music with the release of third album, Blueprints & Vignettes. For this performance, Barry will play selections from the new album, a product of his PhD studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Concert goers can expect the music to reflect Barry's parallel interests in jazz, free improvisation and 20th century classical music. The Bell award winning and National Jazz Award finalist will be joined by long time collaborators and Australian jazz stars in their own right Jeremy Rose (The Vampires) and Dave Goodman (Vince Jones, Mike Nock) for an intriguing night of new music.

Prague based guitarist and educator Libor Smoldas has forged an impressive international resume which belies his relatively young age. Having recorded 7 critically acclaimed albums as leader as well as featuring on many others as a sideman, Smoldas has spent the last 5 years performing across the globe from New York to Istanbul with names such as Bob Montgomery, Jeff Ballad and Adam Nussbaum to name a few. For his second time playing at the Wollongong Conservatorium, Smoldas will be joined by two of Australia's finest in Darren Heinrich (organ) and Nic Cecire (drums) for a night of hard driving, organ infused jazz.

The Cope Street Parade are a high energy Australian music ensemble. They blend spicy rhythms with unique song writing that span the genres of folk, pop, gypsy and swing. With tender ballads and rollicking dance numbers they capture the spirit and warmth of early music styles and successfully blur the lines between the contemporary and the classic. Influences include Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Father John Misty and Leadbelly.Formed in 2009, The Parade has performed at major music festivals and venues across Australia and has also been lucky enough to have collaborated with Lulo Reinhardt, Dan Barnett, Geoff Bull, Bob Henderson and Bob Barnard.

ARIA award winner, double Bell Award winner, The Age Victoria Award winner and AIR award winner; Barney mcAll is one Australia's most celebrated contemporary jazz musicians. The critically acclaimed pianist and composer will present his ensemble, ASIO (The Australian Symbiotic Improvisers Orbit) for the first time in Wollongong to celebrate the release of the groups' brand new album and McAll's 12th as leader. The ensemble features an all star line-up of Mike Rivett on Tenor Sax (2016 National Jazz Award Winner), Carl Morgan on guitar, Tom Botting on bass and Alex Hirlian on drums. Not to be missed!

Come on down to the Wollongong con to hear the colours of Human Laser Experiment, now visible to the general public for the very first time! Music from 2pm, tickets $10 at the door.

Featuring the compositions of Paddy Kelly, Human Laser Experiment is a musical exploration into the connection between sound and colour. With a style probably best expressed as "polyrhythmic jazz fusion", the band aims to keep the mind busy, but the feet busier. Rich acoustic harmonies blend into punchy unisons as they create a light show accessible to the ear alone.

MILES ROONEY trumpet

DES CANNINGS trombone

ZAC OLSEN alto sax

PADDY KELLY keys

BEC SCOLNIK bari sax

OSCAR PETERSON bass

CHLOE KIM drums

17 September - Term 3 Jazz Showcase "In the City"

All the jazz groups from the Wollongong Conservatorium under the direction of Eric Dunan will perform in the Arts Precinct (The Courtyard in front of IPAC at 32 Burelli Street) and in the Town Hall Chamber (the alleyway behind IPAC) beginning at 12pm - 3pm. From 3-5 the Wollongong Con Faculty Jazz Quintet under the leadership of Eric Dunan will perform. FREE and family friendly event...so come on down and have a cuppa jazz!

Chicago born jazz musician, Vincent Gardner is one of the world's most respected and well credentialed jazz trombonists. His credits are varied and numerous having played with acts as disparate as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra to the Saturday Night Live Band and Matchbox 20. Winner of the 2014 Downbeat Magazine's "rising star" award as a bandleader in his own right, Gardner is the currently lead trombonist and a contributing composer for the famed Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis.

Belinda Munro is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and actress and her many talents have seen her perform alongside mega-stars Luciano Pavaroti, Celine Dion and Mary J Blige. Don't miss this glittering duo perform in Wollongong for the very first time alongside a stellar band of Australian jazz stalwarts.

"Among the best bebop players with a fresh approach and something new" - Just Jazz Guitar

A guitarist of incredible chops and impeccable taste, Sheryl Bailey has barely had the guitar out of her hands since the age of 13 and has gone on to established herself as one of the foremost proponents of bebop jazz guitar in the world. Having played with the likes of Ingrid Jensen and George Garzone as well as placing 3rd at the prestigious Thelonious Monk competition in 1993 along with releasing 9 critically acclaimed albums as leader, Bailey's credentials speak for themselves. Don't miss her debut performance at the Wollongong Conservatorium with an all-star band of Australian musicians.

Bell award winning and APRA award nominated group "Way Out West" lead by trumpeter Peter Knight offers a unique alluring sound combining Asian, African and jazz influences. This unique sound has earned the group a loyal local following as well as invitations to play some of the largest festivals and venues around the world. Their intriguing new project features Sydney based koto virtuoso Satsuki Odamura and builds on the band's long history of Asian instrumentation and approaches in a contemporary setting that infuses these influences with West-African groove and jazz melodies. Don't miss Way Out West's debut performance at the Wollongong Con.

Award winning trumpeter and composer, leader (or co-leader) of Sun Songbook, Band of Five Names, Daorum, and Trace Sphere and lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Phil Slater is widely considered one of the country's finest trumpeters. He has performed and recorded with many artists including Archie Roach, Mike Nock, Baecastuff, Katie Noonan, Paul Grabowsky, the Australian Art Orchestra, Sandy Evans, Pnau, DIG, Vince Jones, Missy Higgins, Lou Reed, Martha Wainwright, Jonathan Zwartz, Steve Hunter, and Nigel Kennedy. Winner of the National Jazz Award, the Limelight Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Australian Jazz’, the Bell Award for Australian Jazz Musician of the Year, the Bell Award for Contemporary Jazz Ensemble of the Year (Phil Slater Quartet) and the Music Council of Australia Freedman Fellowship, Slater will bring his prodigious talent and his eponymous quintet featuring an all-star cast of Australian jazz masters to the Conservatorium Auditorium on July 28th to play his highly acclaimed compositions.

Jayden Clark will lead this group of young lions in a performance of his original music. A few weeks after this gig, Jayden will be moving to San Francisco to partake in a four year study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in Jazz Studies.

Far Beyond is the gathering of many years of playing and composing by its Chilean born leader Fabian Hevia. The music draws from the rich musical tapestries of South America and the influences of Jazz. The star studded line up brings a unique vibrancy to Hevia's compositions.

Saxophonist, composer and soon to be doctor of Cuban folkloric music, Gai Bryant has been a stalwart of the Australian jazz scene for nearly 20 years. Her virtuoso skills as an instrumentalist and composer has seen her play beside some of the all time greats such as Mark Simmons, Sandy Evans, Jim McNeely and Don Burrows (to name a few) as well as lead her own groups on tours throughout Australia and the World to critical acclaim. For her debut performance at the Wollongong Conservatorium, she has brought together an illustrious group of contemporaries including Danny Carmichael, Jeremy Sawkins, Brendan Clarke and Paul Dericott to form the Gai Bryant Quintet. With tunes ranging from contemporary grooves, basic blues and Cuban influenced songs this is sure to be a special night of jazz.

An afternoon of jazz featuring the award-winning student combos and ensembles in three venues on site at the Wollongong Conservatorium of music. The termly Jazz Showcase serves to highlight the hard-working students of the Conservatorium in groups both large and small lead by the highly acclaimed staff of the jazz faculty.

Jens Hoppe has been performing for over 25 years. He’s recently finished his masters degree in Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of music and has been on staff teaching jazz guitar at the Wollongong Conservatorium Music for 15 years. Pianist Nick Southcott and drummer Dave Goodman have been performing with Hoppe since his early years as an undergrad. The addition of Max Alduca, who plays with Goodman and Southcott in Trioflight rounds out the group perfectly. The music is textural treat featuring some bop influenced songs with influences of Dave Frisell and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

Saxophonist Michael Griffin was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonius Monk Competition in 2013. Since then he has spent time performing in New York where his playing has been lauded by jazz legends Jimmy Heath and Vincent Herring. He was the youngest Australian to ever be featured in the iconic Downbeat Magazine and his debut album "Unexpected Greeting" made the top 10 Australian Jazz Albums of 2015

The Jazz Showcase features all the student jazz groups from the Conservatorium Jazz Program performing in numerous rooms around the campus from 6-8pm.

"A brilliant breakout percussion display from Susnjar" - The Australian

Combining infectious grooves, emotive melodies, risk taking improvisation and extreme dynamics, the Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group radiates a joyful energy that infects not just the band members but the entire room. Their debut album "Su Su Nje" won the group two Bell Awards in 2015 and Daniel himself has twice been nominated for the prestigious Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2015 and 2016. Performing for the very first time in Wollongong at the Conservatorium, this stellar, award-winning ensemble is not to be missed.

The Three Seas combine elements of Indian folk music with a western style of song form and production in a band full of engaging performers from India and Australia. Listeners can expect a soulful, soul-based repertoire with a diverse array of voices and unusual instruments, no Tabla's or Sitar's here. Centre stage is the master folk singer, Raju Das Baul. His amazing stage presence, arresting voice and virtuosic khamak playing showcase the best of the Baul tradition. Deo Mothey bring his enigmatic style from he mountains in Darjeeling, while Kolkata based rock drummer and dubki expert Gaurab Chatterjee (from the famous Bengali band Lakkhichhara), smoothly bridges musical cultures. From Australia, band-leader and saxophonist Matt Keegan and master bassist Steve Elphick complete the unique sound of the band.

The Michelle Nicolle Quartet are critically acclaimed as one of the most prolific and inventive jazz ensembles in the country. For the last 16 years they’ve released eight CDs and touring extensively throughout Australia and internationally – For their return gig to Wollongong the MNQ will be launching the new ABC release “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing.”

HEKKA plays through-composed song forms influenced by artists such as Golden Valley is Now and Vijay Iyer Trio while maintaining an ultimate goal for visceral affection and storytelling as heard in the music of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Their improvisations draw from a learned rhythmic language and sonic environment that draws as much from jazz as from rock, pop and hiphop music. A trio comprising of Novak Manojlovic, Tully Ryan and Jacques Emery, their shared influence and experience nourishes the music resulting in a modernistic performance that has made lasting impressions at festivals and venues throughout Sydney.

"Ingrid plays trumpet and flugelhorn with all the brilliance and fire of a true virtuoso following the spirit of the muse as she creates...warm, sensitive, exciting and totally honest.” - Marian McPortland

Ingrid has been hailed as one of the most gifted trumpet players of her generation. Born in Vancouver and a graduate of the prestigious Berklee Collage of Music, Jensen moved to New York in the late 1990's where she quickly established herself as one of the most in-demand trumpeters in the international jazz scene. A star soloist of the Maria Schnieder and Darcy James Argue Orchestras one of her closest collaborators is her sister, saxophonist and composer, Christine Jensen. In addition to Christine's own orchestra they co-lead various groups and recently recorded an album with famed guitarist Ben Monder. Supported by the legendary Mike Nock and his trio, this is a rare chance to experience two of the finest horn players in the world at the height of their powers.

"She has a big strong sound, but one thatʼs as capable of finesse as bluster; she has plenty of chops, and never seems to run out of ideas. Best of all, she attacks her solos with real gusto, an unbridled pleasure in the act of creating music.”

- Adrian Jackson, Rhythms magazine 2011

Shannon Barnett (2007 Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year) is well-known to Australian audiences through her work with The Vampires, The Black Arm Band, The Bamboos, Andrea Keller and Circus Oz. Since 2014, she has been based in Cologne, Germany were she plays regularly in the vibrant contemporary jazz scene. For her performance at the Wollongong Conservatorium, Barnett is bringing her three exciting collaborators - and some of Germany's top sidemen - Stefan Karl Schmid, David Helm and Fabian Arends. Together they bring Barnettʼs compositions to life, which feature space for the development and sharing of ideas, as well revealing a wicked sense of humour.

Australia's leading jazz orchestra, The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra will return to Wollongong with dynamic German composer/pianist Florian Ross as part of the orchestra's national tour playing Ross' latest large ensemble works. Since 2003, the JMO has gained a reputation as one of the world's most respected independent jazz orchestra's collaborating with many international stars including Maria Schnieder (USA), Chris Potter (USA) and Bert Joris (BE) to name a few. Combining with the amazing piano playing and composing panache of Ross - himself a highly regarded leader and sideman in his own right, having played with Kenny Wheeler, John Scofield, Bob Brookmeyer and more - expect a night of dynamic, exciting and highly original music.

Monday October 3rd - James Muller Quartet

7pm - Wollongong Con Auditorium

"James Muller is a mountain of guitar virtuosity...All the things that are the most effective in jazz, rock, blues and country guitar emerge naturally at the right time, in the right place and it can give the listener shivers" - John Clare, SMH

ARIA award winning guitarist James Muller returns to the Wollongong Conservatorium this October. In addition to his usual stellar trio of bassist Sam Anning (2015 National Jazz Award winner and multiple Bell Award winner) and legendary Perth drummer Ben Vanderwal (sideman to John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Chris Potter and George Garzone), Muller will also bring the award winning and exciting young trumpeter Matt Jodrell (runner-up National Jazz Award) for a night of incredible music. This will likely sell-out so be sure to purchase your tickets online.

The Jazz Showcase is a once a term celebration of all the jazz combos and ensembles at the Conservatorium and a chance for all jazz students to show off their hard-work throughout the term. Bands perform in multiple locations across the Conservatorium grounds starting at 6pm before a feature performance by Bonnie Stewart's 'Crossover' in the Auditorium at 7pm.

Bonnie Stewart’s ethereal voice and percussive textures sail through her evolving compositions, flowing together with the lush and playful tones of pianist Luke Sweeting (2016 Freedman Fellowship finalist) and the distinctive experimental sounds of Peter Farrar, one of australia's most exciting and respected young saxophonists. Crossover forges an amalgam of improvisation, haunting melodies, and polyphonic soundscapes. A rearrangement of Bonnie’s quintet Criss Cross, this trio of individual improvisors creates a unique and cohesive collective sound.

"Some of the most interesting combinations of composed and improvised music that I've heard in Australia" - Philip Johnston

Bungarribee grew out of Gary Daley's renowned Sanctuary project which features a 9 piece ensemble. Daley wanted to experiment with a more intimate group which could explore his compositions as well as create improvisations on gems from the classical and jazz worlds. Featuring some of Australia's most respected contemporary musicians , the Bungarribee quartet traverses diverse musical terrain.

3pm – Wollongong Conservtorium Auditorium

$20G/$15C/$10S on the door or $17G/$12C/$10S online

Monday July 25th James Morrison with the Megaband and Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra

World-renowned trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist James Morrison returns to Wollongong for a special performance with the award-winning Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra PLUS an opening set featuring 150 of the Illawarra's young musicians who make up the 2016 Megaband.

7pm - University Hall, University of Wollongong

$15G/$10S and children 12 and under are FREE

Young musicians wishing to play in the Megaband and perform with James can register HERE.

21st May - 2nd June: The Autumn Jazz Festival

For the first time ever, the Wollongong Conservatorium Of Music Jazz Series is proud to present the Autumn/Winter Jazz Festival featuring three internationally recognized artist performing over three weeks in the Wollongong Conservatorium auditorium. The Conservatorium will be offering a “Festival Pass” which grants access to all three shows at a discounted rate or one can buy tickets to each show individually. Read on below to see the amazing artists who will be playing as part of the festival.

Festival Passes: $55G/$45C/$30S

May 21st - Kristin Berardi Band

Winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival International Vocal Competition in 2006, winner of the Freedman Fellowship in 2007 and winner of the National Jazz Award in 2012, Kristin Berardi has established herself as Australia’s – and indeed, one of the World’s premiere jazz vocalist. Originally from the North Queensland country town of Koumala, Berardi has since performed at Jazz festival and clubs throughout Europe, Asia and America including supporting jazz legends Al Jarreau and George Benson at the 2007 Montreux Jazz Festival. To kick off the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Series Autumn/Winter Jazz Festival, Berardi returns to the Wollongong Conservatorium Of Music to perform her original compositions with her stellar band for a truly world class concert that is not to be missed.

New York based drummer, Joe Farnsworth is regarded as one of the top jazz drummers in the world and with over 70 records behind him – playing with such greats as Wynton Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter and Benny Golson to name a few – he can be considered one of the most recorded too. For his first-ever performance in Wollongong as part of the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Series Autumn/Winter Jazz Festival, Farnsworth will be playing with a fellow modern great, Australia’s own Dale Barlow (sax), an alumni of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Supported by Australian jazz stalwarts, John Harkin and Brendan Clarke, this performance promises to be a night of blistering swing and fiery hard-bop.

The Vampires’ music is a unique blend of soulful jazz, old-school reggae and all-out funk-laden Afrobeat. Combined with risk-taking improvisation, sophisticated compositions and an uncanny sense of dialogue and emotion between the sax/trumpet front line, the band defies these genres and has wrought a style of their own. After releasing four critically acclaimed albums and successfully touring extensively nationally and internationally, The Vampires return to the Wollongong Conservatorium Of Music to headline the Autumn/Winter Jazz Festival with modern jazz guitar great, Lionel Loueke (USA). Originally from the West African country of Benin, Loueke left Africa to pursue jazz studies at the American School of Modern Music in Paris before moving to the U.S. to continue his studies the Berklee College. He has since established himself as one of the world’s most outstanding guitarists having played and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Terrance Blanchard, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden and Joe Lovano.

The “Lost Thoughts Duo”
brings together two of Australia’s most important and influential musicians in
Scott Tinkler and Simon Barker. Both leading exponents of traditional music
from India and Korea respectively, the duo will present a special discussion
concerning their music, their influences and the rhythmic and melodic
structures present in their work before performing an intimate set of their
compositions.

Evoking the sounds from the classic 'blue note' era of the mid sixties, Hammerhead draws inspiration from notable composers of that period including Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton and Horace Silver. Formed through the common musical aspirations of internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist and hard swinging drummer, Duncan Archibald, the band plays with a spirit and energy that has won the sextet rave reviews.

As well as the feature performance, all combos and big-bands from the Wollongong Conservatorium jazz program will be performing.

Trioflight play original, improvised, organic and free range music. Featuring two Australian jazz powerhouses in Dave Goodman and Nick Southcott plus the young firebrand Max Alduca, they have a uniquely intuitive approach, with an emphasis on beautiful melodies and free flowing spontaneity. For their debut performance at the Wollongong Conservatorium, they will be presenting music from thier latest release, "The Rumour of Forests and Waves" which draws from a wide range of influences and inspirations including the natural Australian landscape and abstract mathematical concepts.

"An exciting young saxophonist with a lethal approach to writing and soloing." - Time Out London

"Exhilarating, cascading... Outstanding." - Jazz Times.

Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist Will Vinson moved to New York in 1999 and has since gained an international reputation as a band leader and sideman. Having played, recorded and appeared with artists as varied and acclaimed as Kurt Rosewinkel, Sujan Stevens, Chris Potter and Martha Wainwright, Will will bring an all-star band of Australian jazz superstars including James Muller, Sam Anning and Ben Vanderwall to the Wollongong Conservatorium Auditorium to play a special and intimate performance.

A project born out of the
hypnotically picturesque hills of Norway, Briana Cowlishaw and Gavin Ahearn
come together to create mesmerising performance. Their latest release 'Fjord'
is a duo album recorded in Nesna (Norway) October 2014, which captures a true
sense of free and honest expression. Stripped back to piano and voice, the
album presents a collection of their own compositions and a number of
refreshing arrangements of their most loved pop and jazz standards ('Fool on
the Hill', 'Stompin' at the Savoy').

The album launch
performance will feature Gavin and Briana performing a duo set of songs from
the album, which will then be followed by a set of music with full band,
featuring Clint Corbin –drums and Harry Birch - bass.